Product Details
** HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A 7X65R NITRO EXPRESS 'ROYAL' HAND-DETACHABLE SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 28599,
24 5/8in. Ferlach nitro reproved chopperlump barrels (converted from .240 nitro express), tubes engraved 'HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON.', matt sight rib with triangular sight block with silver inlay, ramp-mounted blade fore-sight, the breech end mounted with a Zeiss Diavari-D 1,5-6x telescopic sight in quickly-detachable mounts, treble-grip action with hidden third bite, removable striker discs, side-bolsters, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, hand-detachable lockplates, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, rolled-edge triggerguard, best bold Royal scroll engraving, the underside with an elaborate cartouche engraved 'ROYAL HAMMERLESS EJECTOR', cleaned and reblued finish overall, 15in. figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap (with trap), sling swivels and including 7/8in. extension with 1/2in. rubber recoil pad, escutcheon engraved with the monogram MBC surmounted by a crown and 'PALITANA' below, weight 9lb. 8oz., in a lightweight leather case, interior relined and with a Holland & Holland label detailing the re-regulation to 7x65R, the case outer marked 'H.H. MAHARAO OF KUTCH'
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed July 1924 for 'PALITANA' (as per escutcheon on rifle) as a '.240 Double Royal hammerless ejector rifle with 25in. steel barrels'.
They have no record of having worked on the barrels since the conversion.
The name on the case outer refers to Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Sir Khengarji III Sawai Bahadur, GCSI, GCIE (born 23rd August 1866 - died 15th January 1942) is recognised as being one of the most progressive and longest ruling monarchs, ruling the Princely State of Kutch (or Cutch) for nearly 67 years.
During his reign, Kutch was raised to a 17 then ultimately a 19 gun salute in recognition of his achievements in modernising the region. Such was his impact, he was chosen to represent India at the Geneva League of Nations Conference in 1921.
Widely acknowledged as being one of the finest rifle shots of his time and one of the inaugural members of the Bombay Natural History Society, his main legacy to his people was in the field of public services, transport and construction. Through his efforts and patronage, by the end of his reign, Kutch had electricity, a State railway, State funded schools, public hospitals and a museum.
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Estimate £12,000-16,000
S1